FAST 10: Pjenné
we sit down with the PBS Radio host for a fast 10…
Pjenné (Penny O’Brien) is quickly becoming a regular fixture on the Melbourne dance music scene. She has crafted a style that is distinctly her own, a percussive and bass-heavy tinged sound that is designed to make you move. Not only is she a regular name on some of the more refreshing local lineups, but she also hosts Passing Notes, a weekly PBS FM radio show covering a broad spectrum of the electronic music sphere.
Her energetic sets are equally suited for small, sweaty basements as they are on festival stages, and Pjenné has made multiple appearances at events including Inner Varnika, Strawberry Fields and most recently Golden Plains. She will also feature at the upcoming Living Room Festival alongside global luminaries Motor City Drum Ensemble. Jeremy Underground, Nightmares on Wax and many more.
Following on from local talents Baby G and Vanessa Worm, Pjenne is the perfect subject for our next Fast 10 feature…
1. THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY MUSIC:
This is really tough on account of my many Dj personalities (especially the contrast between radio and club), however, I'll try and cover off all bases by saying: eclectic, wavy, percussive.
2. A FEMALE ARTIST EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW:
Sui Zhen, but hopefully everyone will after the release of her new album!
3. A TRACK I’M EMBARRASSED TO LOVE:
I'm not so embarrassed to love this but this is the first thing that came to mind - bonafide banger:
4. THE LOCAL INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE:
Diversity across the board and at all levels. I think the Melbourne underground dance community has done well at waking up to the gender imbalance in terms of DJs - but I feel this progress is exclusive to the more underground sections of the community and exclusive to women. It's most definitely time to take this further. We need to work towards achieving a more intersectional community, and we need to strive for this diversity in all areas of the industry, such as producers, booking agents, tour managers and people in all areas of running events.
I feel like the diversity answer will be covered off by a lot of answers in this section, so I’m also going to suggest that a greater level of cross-pollination between events, artists and music would be very much welcomed. I find that the scene can be extremely claustrophobic in Melbourne. I think that is also to do with the reliance and overuse of social media which I know has a definite impact on not only mental health in the industry but potentially also on output. I feel a lot of people are focused on output rather than process due to social media and it can get tiring. On a more practical level, some interesting spaces to hold such events wouldn't go astray!
5. MY DRINK OF CHOICE AT A GIG:
Depends on the quality of the bar. If it's not looking good ill stick with beer, if it is perhaps I’d take a wine, Campari or anything with soda water. As you can see I'm not so picky when it comes to booze.
6. WHAT EMPOWERS ME:
The quality of the releases coming out of Melbourne has always been inspiring for me. I feel very lucky to play them! Seeing someone’s reaction when they hear their creations has always had a special place in my heart. Since taking up broadcasting at PBS it’s great to also be able to use my position in the radio community as a platform. Passing Notes (the radio show) was always intended to be a platform and to showcase Melbourne electronic music and dance community as more than just ‘clubbing’.
Sometimes contemporary electronic music doesn’t get taken seriously and I find that putting into the radio setting creates important links that are somewhat legitimizing. Having that position in the community is very empowering!
I’d also like to mention that taking breaks, slowing down and making sure that you’re reflecting on your achievements is very empowering. Something that my lovely partner (who is empowering as well!) has motivated to do, but I am still not very good at!
7. THE BEST GIG I’VE EVER PLAYED:
Golden Plains & Inner Varnika, although both were fraught with crippling anxiety.
8. IF I WASN’T IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, I WOULD BE:
I am also working for the University of Melbourne and completing a PhD in Aboriginal health so I would still be working in academia! I'd probably always have to have something more creative on the side, but I'd probably be far less stressed if I focused my attention on one thing!
9. SOMEONE I LOOK UP TO IS:
CC:Disco!, Lena Willikens, Veronica Vasicka, Milly Davison (Millú)
10. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I HAVE EVER RECEIVED:
Your DJ sets aren't a reflection of your worth as a person and it’s ok to say no (not yet able to exercise this though!).
